You're probably snacking while you read this

Bruce Horovitz

USA TODAY

Consumers are going on a snacking binge.

Domestic snack consumption is once again on the rise, with more than half of consumers -- 51% -- for the first time saying they eat snacks at least twice a day. Just two years ago, that number was 48%, according to Technomic, the food service research specialist that conducted the survey.

We are becoming a nation of snack-a-holics. Not only are consumers snacking more often, but they are broadening their definition of the word snack. A wider range of foods and beverages are now being viewed as snacks. And, increasingly, they appear to be a bit more healthy. While candy still ranks as the most frequently purchased snack by 71% of consumers, nuts ranked second, followed by crackers, fresh fruit and cheese snacks.

The battle for consumer snackers is growing, too. Convenience stores, restaurants and grocers are all fighting for the consumer share of stomach. It's why fast-food giants like Taco Bell and McDonald's have recently upped their snack offerings. The restaurant chains may have the most to win -- or lose.

"The retail market is aggressively promoting snacks, but there's plenty of room for restaurants to expand their snack programs and grab share," says Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic. The key, he says, is to provide more innovative, healthy and portable snacks.

Among the snack survey findings:

• We snack all day. Nearly half of consumers (49%) eat snacks between meals, and 45% replace one meal daily with a snack.

• We snack on the cheap. Some 45% of consumers who order snacks at restaurants order from the dollar or value menu.

• We want healthier snacks. Some 55% of consumer say healthfulness is very important in choosing a snack.

• We snack on the go. About 60% of consumers say portability is critical when choosing a snack -- up from 55% just two years ago.